LIHU‘E — People always say “Nothing is free,” observed Rick Bundshuh. But he and Shari Pilaria did something about that Sunday at Kukui Grove Center, offering free copies of “The Mask: A Christmas Story,” written by Bundshuh with help from
LIHU‘E — People always say “Nothing is free,” observed Rick Bundshuh.
But he and Shari Pilaria did something about that Sunday at Kukui Grove Center, offering free copies of “The Mask: A Christmas Story,” written by Bundshuh with help from his son Mason, and illustrated by Pilaria.
“Anytime you get a good book for free is good,” said an early shopper who could not believe the autographed book was available at no cost, with no strings attached.
Within minutes of setting up, Bundshuh and Pilaria were visited by a steady stream of people eager to accept a copy of the hardcover book which offers a life lesson. Bundschuh is the pastor of Kaua‘i Christian Fellowship.
“You don’t need to listen to a 90-minute spiel,” Pilaria said. “If you miss this, the other way to get the book is ordering it through Amazon” at a cost.
Nearby on Sunday, Suzie Faye and Ibbie Alshamma were two Kaua‘i Society of Artists members who were gallery sitting within earshot of the Kaua‘i High School boys soccer team who were offering gift wrapping services for a donation.
“People can always visit the KSA ‘Small Works, Big Show,’” Faye said. “I sold a piece since the opening on Nov. 23, but already replaced it.”
The show, chaired by Robert Lober, is available for viewing through Jan. 4.
Jonell Kaohelauli‘i, the Kukui Grove marketing director, said there are several other free events at the mall during the final week leading to Christmas, including the Kaua‘i Pro Am Show Band who will take center stage on Thursday from 4 to 5 p.m.
“Just the 3 of Us” will also go on stage Thursday from 7 to 8 p.m.
And on Friday night, the first 25 people who donate $20 or more to the Big Brothers Big Sisters will receive a traditional kendama from Iwaki City, Japan, in the area fronting The Jam Room at the mall, starting at 6:30 p.m.
Art Umezu said the kendama were donated by tourism officials from Iwaki City during their visit to the Matsuri Kaua‘i Festival in October.
Daphne Sanchez, hostess for the Jam Room, is an annual performer at Spa Resort Hawaiians, Japan’s largest Hawaiian resort and amusement center in Iwaki.
In addition to the kendama, the Jam Room is offering 50 Secret Santa Grab Bags filled with gifts from Japan for $1, $5 and $10 contributions to the Big Brothers Big Sisters.
A Manny Pacquiao’s Unique Collectible Doll will be joined by a fresh Kaua‘i-grown Norfolk pine from Kalaheo Flowers as part of the silent auction, Umezu said.
Also on tap are free drawings for prizes such as Tutti Frutti gift certificates, random gift give-aways and free Christmas candies.
The Kaua‘i Children’s Discovery Museum will host a Friday Night Moon Watch from 6:30 to 10 p.m. in the area fronting Vitamin World.
Saturday, Mary Lardizabal and the Kapa‘a Middle School Choir and ‘Ukulele Band will be on stage from 11 a.m. until noon to add flavor to the Holiday Keiki Craft Corner at Santa’s Place.
The Keiki Craft Corner will be hosted between 1 through 2 p.m. and 7 to 8 p.m. on Saturday at Santa’s Place near Deja Vu.
“’Tis the season to be busy,” said Lardizabal, who just got through hosting the Kapa‘a Middle School program’s Winter Extravaganza, during a performance last week at the Festival of Lights.
Also on tap before Christmas, “Cloud Nine” takes the stage Sunday between 4 and 5 p.m. followed by the Kaua‘i Pro Am Show Band playing from 7 to 9 p.m.
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@ thegardenisland.com.
